Vitrine Style: Fall with Grey and mustard

It was love at first sight with these gorgeous faceted grey and mustard fire agate stones! I knew I just had to have them! And with most looks, I usually create them around my favorite piece of jewelry! I strung them with some faceted smoky quartz rondelles and wire wrapped them on to a delicate gun metal chain and created this piece that could just very well be a staple for this Fall. I matched them up with a white tank, a feather light grey cardigan and my favorite pair of Blue denims and some pewter metallic ballet flats for a casual chic ensemble. You can buy the agate necklace here.

Fashion Friday- Mod Florals

I think out of all the trends out there, florals are probably the easiest thing to pull off. No matter what your age, anyone can look good in a floral print. Today I thought I'd feature updated floral prints that don't look blatantly floral. Infact, check out the shoes, wouldn't you say at first glance that they look like an animal print? Wearing any of the below ensures you're fashion forward; it's never been easier!

1. Sequined Plume Top | pyramidcollection.com   2. Ikat Square Scarf |warehouse.co.uk 

3. Oscar De La Renta Floral Shoe | bergdorfgoodman.com  4. Kate Spade 'Melinda' | nordstrom.com

5. Ruby Earrings | vitrine.etsy.com  6. Skinny Jeans | shopbop.com

All pictures courtesy of polyvore.com except 5 Copyright Vitrine

Fashion Friday - Racy Lacy Finds

Lace is one of Spring 2012's trends. I must be truthful: I've never liked wearing lace all that much. And I'm too afraid of looking like Grandma's doilies! But I'm warming to the trend... I love the lace cutout look on some of the dresses this season, like the Anthropologie top below:

Anthropologie top

But if you're still unsure about wearing lace, I've found a few lace-inspired items on Etsy that are absolutely gorgeous!

Wood Coaster by Uncommon.etsy.com

Leather iPhone cover by Tovicorrie.etsy.com

Ceramic Lace Bowl by dgordon.etsy.com

Paper Lace Cards by AlmondCrafts.etsy.com

Lace parasol by thelovelymemories.etsy.com

Doily clock by FrenchFind.etsy.com

So what do you think of these lacy finds? Which is your favorite? I'd love to hear what you think and if you have a fave lace find, post the link here!



Taking eye catching pictures

Lately I've had a lot of questions asking me how I get my photos in my Etsy shop to be so good. Well, thanks for the compliments! Believe me, it's taken me three years to figure things out, and get to this point. Today's Etsy Success Symposium gave me the impetus to make changes in my own shop. Using my own items I'll share with you my before and after shots and what I think makes each item stand out more now.

1. Create more depth and interest

BEFORE (left)
While pretty, the druzy necklace is flat and might not be interesting enough to capture someone's interest enough to make them click on the picture.

AFTER (right) Using the Macro feature on my camera, I found an angle that draws the eye to the texture of the stone while keeping the chain as a 'minor' detail in the background.

2. Make sure you have enough natural light. If you don't  have enough light, your picture will end up looking dark and frankly, get ignored. Believe me when I say how exciting it is to create an item and you can't wait to take out pics and list it already! In the long run though, be patient. First impressions count, and if your pics aren't great you'll lose out on those initial clicks and hearts.

BEFORE (left) Dark and over exposed. Making it brighter using a photoediting tool only made the silver shinier and did nothing for the amethyst gemstones.

AFTER (right) Taken in natural light. The amethyst earrings now have sparkle! Go as close as you can to a window. Experiment with different times during the day. Seasons make a difference too! If you are north facing or have a lot of trees in your yard that obstruct light coming in through your window, create a lightbox. You will find lots of help creating on on etsy forums.

3. Play with different props. I've used my work table (laminate surface) that results in very boring pictures! So I try to use textured backgrounds. Find paper, wood, stone, tile, concrete, fabric... the options are endless.

Multi Gemstone beach bracelet on paper

AAA Chrysocolla nugget necklace on wood

Herkimer Diamond Earrings on a rock

AAA Pyrite Necklace on stone

4. And lastly, get to know your camera. Play with the macro Button (it looks like a flower) on your camera. Play with the light adjustments and ISO settings, auto vx manual. And read the manual :)

Feel free to ask any questions, and to share any tips that you may have when taking your pics!

All pictures Copyright @Vitrine (2008-2012)

Fashion Friday: Sunny yellow Spring 2012

Some of Spring 2012's trends: bright yellow and lace eyelet fabric. So using my Citrine quartz earrings and a gorgeous eyelet dress, I've created two looks. You can dress it up or down - either way you'll stand out! Click on links below for more info on each item.

Dress up Look (think wedding or romantic date)
JUICY COUTURE Grapefruit Daisy Lace Guipure Dress
Stella Mccartney bags YELLOW
Forzieri Orange Gemstone and Diamond Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Burberry Prorsum Embellished leather sandals

Dress down Look (meeting up with friends, picnic, shopping)
Burberry Textured-leather crossbody bag
Htc Straw Yellow Bandana Straw Hat With Twisted Band
K. Jacques pour Opening Ceremony Picon Patent



All pics courtesy Polyvore.com except Citrine quartz earrings by Vitrine.

Fashion Friday - Pastel pink Spring 2012

We continue with the pastel palette and today's shade is pale pink. Pale pink aka blush is flattering to almost any skin tone and to me, is probably the most feminine color you can choose to wear. If pale pink is not your thing, then go for a more dusky rose pink instead. I've gathered some of my favorites here and included the Parisian perfume Miss Dior Cherie for a youthful elegant whiff of chic. You can buy the handmade pair of earrings here and view the full selection here.

Fashion Friday - Mint Green Spring 2012

One of Spring 2012's color trend is this lovely serene shade of mint green. Pastels are always a surefire hit, and this hue is particularly feminine. I've accessorised the look with these earrings and would also suggest this bracelet.

Exclusive Facebook offer!

I thought I'd let you know that you can now purchase my jewelry on Facebook now! Just go to my page VitrineDesigns and click on the tab that says EtsyShop. When you purchase an item, you get an instant discount coupon (I'm not telling you how much, you'll just have to find out!) Ofcourse, you can still buy my jewelry on Etsy as well.

Turquoise Tangerine Tango Spring 2012

So let me fill you in on the last few weeks... I was introduced to Pinterest and it's now become my new obsession. What a beautiful range of items! And while on there I came across Polyvore.com. You can create your own fashion boards, and I thought what better way to showcase the jewelry I make! So here's my first attempt at doing one of these. Tangerine is one of this year's IT colors so using my Tangerine Hammered Gold earrings as a springboard, here's the finished result. I'd love to hear what you think!

Candy Cane Coffee

I first got into Candy Cane Coffee when our local store got some limited edition packets in, pre holiday season. After getting that first packet, it seems it was such a hit, it was all sold out. So I decided to make my own. I ground some coffee beans with crushed candy canes (I used two to make about 4-5 cups), allowed to percolate, and voila, some candy cane coffee made to order! I added a candy cane stirrer. Alternatively you could add some peppermint oil to get the flavor, but I'm a visual person, so the crushed red and white bits are pretty irresistible!

The first (proper) snowfall!

December 27th saw the first proper snowfall of this winter.

There's something magical about the first snowfall of the season, and for me it's visions of hot coffee and roasting chestnuts. Not to mention the fir wreath we have hanging in the hallway emanates its rich piney scent. Simple pleasures!

I took some pics this morning of snow covered rooftops nestled between the trees in the park. 

Shop Spotlight

My shop has been featured on the Shop Spotlight on OhCanadaTeam's blog. If you ever wondered about the thought process that goes into my jewelry, or about me, read more here :
http://ohcanadateam.blogspot.com/2011/07/shop-spotlight-vitrine.html
The OhCanadaTeam on Etsy is a fantastic bunch of very talented artisans from all over Canada. I feel lucky to be part of this team, because of the warmth and support offered.

Penny For your thoughts Treasury

I was included in another fabulous treasury by Clone Hardware. Penny For your Thoughts features copper colored items and there are some gorgeous ones in this treasury! Also included were my Rosy Dawn wirewrapped Swarovski crystal earrings (pictured 3rd row, first from right).

Verdant Violet Treasury

It's my lucky day! I was included in another fabulous treasury by Clone Hardware. Verdant Violet is all about spring- ooh, I can't wait! - and my lilac gun metal necklace (pictured 3rd row, first from right) was included amongst these beauties.

Silence is golden Treasury

My vermeil gold smoky quartz earrings (pictured top row, 2nd from right) were included in this luxe treasury by Clone Hardware. Clone Hardware makes unbelievable wearable jewelry from recycled computer hardware. It's really wearable art! Visit her gorgeous shop and take a look for yourself!

Get ready For Valentine's Day

I had so much fun planning this Valentine's trip with my husband... OK, so it's just in my head and most probably we won't be flying to Paris, but I still had fun doing it! Here are some of my top picks for a romantic holiday or even some time off with your love. Enjoy!
View the treasury here.

Spa Bliss at home

I don't know about you, but I need a vacation! Well, I can't have one right now, but I can treat myself to some lovelies. And what better than to pamper yourself if a spa is not at hand, than with these affordable treats?

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=99498

VanGogh Starry Night Treasury

I've always been fascinated by Vincent Van Gogh, and also very moved that his work was only revered after he died. The poor guy died at 37, impoverished and malnourished. But his work, oh his work!
One of my favorite paintings of his is 'Starry Nights', and I've used the colors in this one to inspire my picks.
View the Etsy Treasury here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=89354&show_panel=true

Please click on each item and leave your comment. Hopefully it makes it to Etsy's Front Page!

A yum Cheese Wine Treasury!

Some Etsians are so creative in coming up with fantastically curated Treasuries! My Luxe Pearl earrings have been featured in this yummy Cheese and Wine Treasury by TheBrassHussy.

View this lovely Treasury here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=115318

Please also visit TheBrassHussy's shop for some nature inspired finds.

Amorosa Pearl Earrings- Wedding Collection

After a month long hiatus, I finally felt inspired to create something new. I like February, for me it's new beginnings- maybe that has something to do with the fact that it's my birthday this month! So my "something new" is the start of a new Wedding Collection, and what better way to start than with pearls. These gorgeous rice pearls have been used with sterling silver CZ 'vines' and accented with Swarovski crytals.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39884716